AP CSP Day 6 - Cybersecurity Basics
AP CSP Day 6 - Cybersecurity Basics
Course Information
- Course: AP Computer Science Principles
- Unit: Big Idea 2 - Computer Systems and Networks (CSN)
- Lesson: Day 6 (50 minutes)
- Learning Objective: CSN-1.F - Understand cybersecurity basics
Learning Objectives
Primary Goals
Students will be able to:
- Define what cybersecurity is
- Identify common cybersecurity threats
- Understand basic cybersecurity practices
- Analyze real-world scenarios involving cybersecurity
AP Exam Alignment
- Big Idea 2: Computer Systems and Networks (16-20% of AP Exam)
- Essential Knowledge: CSN-1.F.1, CSN-1.F.2, CSN-1.F.3
- Computational Thinking Practice: 2.A - Develop algorithms for solving problems
Lesson Structure (50 minutes)
Opening Hook (10 minutes)
1.1 Welcome & Lesson Preview (5 minutes)
Teacher Activities:
- Recap previous day's content on web technologies
- Introduce today's topic on cybersecurity basics
Student Activities:
- Think about: "What are some examples of cybersecurity in daily life?"
1.2 Cybersecurity Examples Challenge (5 minutes)
Activity: "Identify the Threat"
Instructions:
- Groups of 4-6 students
- Identify cybersecurity threats in given scenarios
- Discuss the importance of cybersecurity
Purpose: Activate thinking about cybersecurity
Core Content Instruction (20 minutes)
2.1 What is Cybersecurity? (10 minutes)
Definition (CSN-1.F.1):
Cybersecurity involves protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks.
Key Concepts:
- Threats: Viruses, phishing, malware
- Practices: Password management, encryption, firewalls
- Awareness: Staying informed about security risks
Case Study: Protecting personal data online
- Scenario: Using strong passwords and two-factor authentication
2.2 Common Cybersecurity Threats (5 minutes)
Examples:
- Viruses: Malicious software that damages systems
- Phishing: Deceptive emails to steal information
- Malware: Software designed to harm systems
Discussion Questions:
- What makes good cybersecurity practices?
- Can you think of an example where cybersecurity is used in daily life?
- Why is cybersecurity important in computing?
2.3 Advanced Cybersecurity Concepts (5 minutes)
Why is it important?:
- Protection: Safeguarding sensitive information
- Prevention: Avoiding potential threats
Discussion Questions:
- How can we protect sensitive information?
- Why is prevention important in cybersecurity?
Hands-On Activity (15 minutes)
3.1 Group Project: Practice Secure Coding (15 minutes)
Activity: "Secure Your Code"
Instructions:
- Groups of 3-4 students
- Practice secure coding techniques
- Present secure code examples to the class
Materials:
- **Secure coding worksheet
- **Cybersecurity checklist
Learning Goals:
- **Understand cybersecurity
- **Practice secure coding
- **Test secure code
- **Present ideas effectively
Assessment:
- **Group participation
- **Code quality
- **Testing thoroughness
- **Presentation clarity
Closure & Preview (5 minutes)
4.1 Key Concepts Review (2 minutes)
Today's Learning Highlights:
- ✅ Defining what cybersecurity is
- ✅ Identifying common cybersecurity threats
- ✅ Understanding basic cybersecurity practices
- ✅ Analyzing real-world scenarios
AP Exam Connection:
- These concepts will appear in AP exam multiple choice questions
- Understanding cybersecurity basics is crucial for the Explore Performance Task
4.2 Next Class Preview (3 minutes)
Day 7 Topic: "Cloud Computing"
- Learning Objective: CSN-1.G - Understand cloud computing
- Activity: Exploring cloud services
- Homework: Think about a recent online service you used. Was it secure?